Sat 6 May 2023, 17:00
Longlevens made the long trip to the StoneX stadium on Saturday to play Twickenham in this Counties 1 South Plate final.
There had been a lot of distraction in the build up to this game as the Griffins had also got to the Combination Cup final, originally slated to be played the following day. After being told the game could be moved, the Combination made the decision that they would need to play two games in a weekend. A team meeting led to the outcome that player welfare was more important, and all the focus then turned to the Plate.
As it was a 5pm kick off a leisurely journey up to London began at 11.30am, including a stop for a healthy KFC and Burger King at Reading services.
On arrival there was time to take in the atmosphere and watch some of the other matches being played. The StoneX is an impressive stadium, and the boys were eager to get going.
The warmup was conducted out on the pitch as soon as the final whistle to the previous game sounded and the energy was building.
As expected in a big cup final the players were nervous and it showed in a nervy start that resulted in lots of penalties being given away. Twickenham came out the strongest and had Longlevens camped in their 22 for long periods during the first 20 minutes. The Griffins held firm and all Twickenham had to show for their effort was three points, 0-3.
Longlevens then found their game plan and utilised the boot well to gain territory. They were stringing more effective phases together and were now dominating collisions. They got on the score sheet after the half hour through prop Josh Stratton who was on hand to crash over from short range, converted by Bard Wilkins, 3-7.
The pressure that the Griffins were putting on Twickenham was beginning to show, and they were now falling victim to the referee’s whistle. After a series of pick and goes were repelled the backs took over and the ball went wide left. Right winger Mike Yorke came into the line and threw a good pass out to fellow Winger Henry York to finish well in the corner, 3-12 being the half time score.
The players were visibly calmer at half time and were very settled into the match, confidence was high, and they set out to win the game. Twickenham were first to score however through another penalty, before Longlevens got their third try. A kick to the corner set up a good drive and centre Ben Collier joined the maul to add extra weight. He peeled off five metres out and powered over to make the score 6-17.
The Griffins were in total control and were moving the ball wide. During one such attempt the backs moved it through the hands going right only for the final pass to find the hands of the Twickenham winger, who sprinted clear for a score, 11-17. This made the last 20 minutes squeaky bum time, but Tom Griffiths was on hand to calm things down and secure the win. He took the ball to the line 5m out and gave Harvey Walsingham a pass to crash on to. It was then recycled back to Griffiths who used his size to bash over for the winning score, 11-24.
This was an historic day for the club and all 22 players did themselves and the club proud. Jed Holman-Jones again led the side well, all 12 forwards used were immense in the set piece and in defence, and the backs were as dynamic and creative as they have been all season.
The longest season on record still isn’t over however, as the combination have seen sense and worked with Gloucester Rugby, Matson and Longlevens to secure Kingsholm this Friday night to play the Combination Cup final, 7pm KO.
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